Wall covering panels and system and method for installation thereof

ABSTRACT

An elongated panel for producing a wall covering, a kit for producing a wall covering, and a method of installing a wall covering are described. The elongated panel includes generally rectangular front surface and back surfaces, a first longitudinal edge, and a second longitudinal edge opposite the first longitudinal edge. A lateral cross-section of the first longitudinal edge can include a generally horizontal support portion proximate the back surface and a first beveled portion proximate the front surface, and a lateral cross-section of the second longitudinal edge can include a generally horizontal resting portion proximate the back surface and a second beveled portion proximate the front surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 16/523,629, filed Jul. 26, 2019,which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/711,053, filed on Jul. 27, 2018, the entireties of which areincorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to wall coverings, and morespecifically to wall covering panels and systems and methods forinstallation of wall coverings.

BACKGROUND

For aesthetic and other reasons, various wall coverings can be appliedto interior or exterior walls. Wall coverings can be prefabricated, suchas prefabricated panels, but still require installation by a user.Conventional wall panels often include time-consuming and complexinstallation procedures. More useful and efficiently installed wallcoverings, methods and systems are needed.

SUMMARY

An elongated panel for producing a wall covering is described. Theelongated panel includes generally rectangular (“generally” applies tothe 90° angle of the rectangle) front surface and back surfaces, a firstlongitudinal edge, and a second longitudinal edge opposite the firstlongitudinal edge. A lateral cross-section of the first longitudinaledge can include a generally horizontal support portion proximate theback surface and a first beveled portion proximate the front surface,and a lateral cross-section of the second longitudinal edge can includea generally horizontal resting portion proximate the back surface and asecond beveled portion proximate the front surface.

In some embodiments, a length of the support portion and a length of theresting portion of the elongated panel can be approximately equal.

In some embodiments, the first beveled portion can extend from an end ofthe support portion to the front surface, and the second longitudinaledge can include an intermediate portion between the resting portion andthe second beveled portion, with an angle of the intermediate portion isadapted to match an angle of the first beveled portion.

In some embodiments, a lateral cross-section of the intermediate portionand the second beveled portion is a convex triangle.

In some embodiments, the intermediate portion is adapted to overlap withthe first beveled portion.

In some embodiments, the generally rectangular front surface and backsurfaces, first longitudinal edge, and second longitudinal edge forms afront portion. The elongated panel can also include a generallyrectangular backing attached to the back surface of the front portionand forming a longitudinal lip extending past one of the longitudinaledges of the front portion.

In some embodiments, the backing can also form a longitudinal receivingportion, opposite the longitudinal lip, adapted to overlap with thelongitudinal lip of another panel.

In some embodiments, a thickness of the panel ranges from 2 to 25 mm.

In some embodiments, a thickness of the panel ranges from 2 to 10 mm.

In some embodiments, a thickness of the panel can be 5 mm or less.

A kit for producing a wall-covering is also described. The kit includesa plurality of elongated panels, each including generally rectangularfront surface and back surfaces, a first longitudinal edge, and a secondlongitudinal edge opposite the first longitudinal edge. A lateralcross-section of the first longitudinal edge can include a generallyhorizontal support portion proximate the back surface and a firstbeveled portion proximate the front surface, and a lateral cross-sectionof the second longitudinal edge can include a generally horizontalresting portion proximate the back surface and a second beveled portionproximate the front surface. The plurality of elongated panels includesan upper panel and a lower panel, and a lower longitudinal edge of theupper panel can be adapted to abut with an upper longitudinal edge ofthe lower panel such that the lower longitudinal edge of the upper paneland the upper longitudinal edge of the lower panel produce a flute alonga front surface of the upper and lower panel.

In some embodiments, a length of the support portion and a length of theresting portion, for each of the plurality of elongated panels, areapproximately equal.

In some embodiments, for each of the plurality of elongated panels, thefirst beveled portion can extend from an end of the support portion tothe front surface. The second longitudinal edge can include anintermediate portion between the resting portion and the second beveledportion, with an angle of the intermediate portion is adapted to matchan angle of the first beveled portion.

In some embodiments, a lateral cross-section of the intermediate portionand the second beveled portion can be a convex triangle for each of theplurality of elongated panels.

In some embodiments, the intermediate portion can be adapted to overlapwith the first beveled portion for each of the plurality of elongatedpanels.

In some embodiments, for each of the plurality of elongated panels, thefirst beveled portion can extend from an end of the support portion tothe front surface and the second beveled portion can extend from an endof the resting portion to the front surface.

In some embodiments, for each of the plurality of elongated panels, thegenerally rectangular front surface and back surfaces and the first andsecond longitudinal edges forms a front portion, and each elongatedpanel further includes a generally rectangular backing. The backing canbe attached to the back surface of the front portion and form alongitudinal lip extending past one of the longitudinal edges of thefront portion.

In some embodiments, the kit also includes adhesive for adhering theplurality of elongated panels to a wall.

A method of installing a wall covering is also described. The methodincludes providing a plurality of elongated panels as described herein,attaching the back of a first elongated panel to a wall; and attachingthe back of a second elongated panel to the wall. The second elongatedpanel can be attached above or below the first elongated panel, with aresting portion of the second panel positioned adjacent to the supportportion of the first panel without adhesive in-between.

In some embodiments, the resting portion of the second panel can abutthe support portion of the first panel.

In some embodiments, the method can include attachment of the elongatedpanels to the wall by adhesive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of the present invention will be more fullydisclosed in, or rendered obvious by the following detailed descriptionof the preferred embodiments, which are to be considered together withthe accompanying drawings wherein like numbers refer to like parts andfurther wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a panel as described herein.

FIG. 2 is a lateral cross-sectional view of the panel shown in FIG. 1taken along cut line 2-2.

FIG. 3 shows a lateral cross-section of a plurality of panels of FIG. 1abutting one another in order to achieve a desired effect.

FIG. 4 is a front view of another embodiment of a panel as describedherein.

FIG. 5 is a lateral cross-section view of the panel shown in FIG. 4taken along cut line 4-4.

FIG. 6 is a front view of another embodiment of a panel as describedherein.

FIG. 7 is a lateral cross-sectional view of the panel shown in FIG. 6taken along cut line 7-7.

FIG. 8 is a back view of the panel shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 shows a lateral cross-section of a plurality of panels of FIG. 4with the first longitudinal edge facing up abutting one another in orderto achieve a desired effect.

FIG. 10 shows a lateral cross-section of a plurality of panels of FIG. 4with the second longitudinal edge facing up abutting one another inorder to achieve a desired effect.

FIG. 11 is a lateral cross-sectional view of a plurality of panels ofFIG. 6 taken along cut line 7-7.

FIG. 12 is a front view of a panel as described herein.

FIG. 13 is a lateral cross-sectional view of the panel shown in FIG. 12taken along cut line 13-13.

FIG. 14 shows a lateral cross-section of a plurality of panels of FIG.12 abutting one another in order to achieve a desired effect.

FIG. 15 shows elements of a kit as described herein.

FIG. 16A is a lateral cross-sectional view of a two panels of FIG. 6laid adjacent to one another.

FIG. 16B is a lateral cross-sectional view of a plurality of panels ofFIG. 6 with the longitudinal lip inserted completely within thereceiving portion, showing a gap between the support portion of a firstpanel and a resting portion of a second panel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This description of sample embodiments is intended to be read inconnection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be consideredpart of the entire written description. In the description, relativeterms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “above,”“below,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivatives thereof(e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should beconstrued to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown inthe drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenienceof description and do not require that the product be constructed oroperated in a particular orientation. Terms concerning attachments,coupling and the like, such as “connected,” refer to a relationshipwherein structures are secured or attached to one another eitherdirectly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as bothmovable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expresslydescribed otherwise.

As show in FIGS. 1-15, an elongated panel 2 for producing awall-covering (e.g., a shiplap or nickel gap look, or a reclaimed woodlook) is disclosed. The elongated panel 2 can have generally rectangularfront 4 and back surfaces 6, as well as, a first longitudinal edge 8,and a second longitudinal edge 10 opposite the first longitudinal edge8. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 5, 7, 9-11, and 13, alateral cross-section of the first longitudinal edge 8 comprises agenerally horizontal support portion 12 proximate the back surface 6 anda first beveled portion 14 proximate the front surface 4. In someembodiments, a lateral cross-section of the second longitudinal edge 10comprises a generally horizontal resting portion 16 proximate the backsurface 6 and a second beveled portion 18 proximate the front surface 4.

In some embodiments, a thickness (t_(S)) of the support portion 12 and athickness (t_(R)) of the resting portion 16 are approximately equal. Insome embodiments, thicknesses of the support portion and the restingportion are independently 0.25 to 5 mm, or 0.5 to 4 mm, or 0.75 to 3 mm,or less than 2.5 mm, or less than 2 mm, or less than 1.5 mm, or lessthan 1mm, or any combination of these endpoints.

When multiple elongated panels 2 are being installed on a wall, thisconfiguration allows the resting portion of the upper panel to rest onand/or slightly above the support portion 12 of a lower panel whileadhesive bonding the elongated panel to the wall is curing. In someembodiments, the thickness of the resting portion and the thickness ofthe support portion are less than two-thirds of the thickness (t) of thepanel, or 50% or less of the thickness (t) of the panel, or 40% or lessof the thickness (t) of the panel, or 30% or less of the thickness (t)of the panel, or 25% or less of the thickness (t) of the panel 2.

As used herein, “generally horizontal” includes forming a right angle(90 degrees) relative to the back surface, as well as, minor variationstherefrom (±5 degrees, or ±10 degrees, or ±15 degrees). Generallyhorizontal can also include acute angles (θ) with the back surface 6 (θis shown in FIG. 5). As used herein, “approximately equal” includesdeviations of ±1 mm or less.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1-14, the first beveled portion14 extends from an end of the support portion 12 to the front surface 4,and in some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 5, 9-11 and 13, the secondlongitudinal edge comprises an intermediate portion 20 between theresting portion 16 and the second beveled portion 18. In some suchembodiments, as shown in FIGS. 9, 10, and 14, an angle of theintermediate portion 20 is adapted to match an angle of the firstbeveled portion 14.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, a lateral cross-section of theintermediate portion 20 and the second beveled portion 18 is convex 22(e.g., in the shape of a triangle). In some embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 9 & 10, the intermediate portion 20 is adapted to overlap with (orabut against) the first beveled portion 14.

In some embodiments, as shows in FIGS. 1-3, the first beveled portion 14extends from an end of the support portion 12 to the front surface 4 andthe second beveled portion 18 extends from an end of the resting portion16 to the front surface 4.

In some embodiments as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the panel featuresdescribed above can form a front portion 25 of the elongated panel 2,and the panel 2 can also include a backing 30 attached to the back ofthe front portion 25. The backing 30 can have generally rectangularfront and back surfaces. The backing 30 can cover a substantial portion,but not all, of the back surface of the front portion 25.

As shown in FIG. 11, a thickness (t_(b)) of the backing 30 can be lessthan a thickness (t_(f)) of the front portion 25 of the panel 2. Inother embodiments, the thickness (t_(b)) of the backing 30 can beapproximately equal to the thickness (t_(f)) of the front portion 25.

In some embodiments, a length and/or width of the backing 30 can beapproximately equal to a respective length and/or width of the frontportion 25. In other embodiments, the length and/or width of the backing30 can be less than the respective length and/or width of the frontportion 25.

The backing 30 can be positioned with a longitudinal edge extending pastone of the longitudinal edges of the front portion 25, forming alongitudinal lip 34. The backing 30 can also be positioned with alateral edge extending past one of the lateral edges of the frontportion 25, forming a lateral lip 35. The longitudinal lip 34 and/or thelateral lip 35 can extend past the respective longitudinal and/orlateral edges of the front portion 25 by 25 mm or less, or 10 mm orless, or 8 mm or less, or 6 mm or less, or 5 mm or less, or 3 mm orless, or any combination of these endpoints (e.g. ranging from 5 mm to10 mm, or from 3 mm to 5 mm).

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 6-8, the first beveled portion 14extends from an end of the support portion 12 to the front surface 4,and the lip 34 from the other end of the support portion 12. The secondlongitudinal edge can also comprises an intermediate portion 20 behindand/or along a back surface of the resting portion 16. In some suchembodiments, a shape of the intermediate portion 20 is adapted togenerally match a shape of the lip 34.

In some embodiments, the intermediate portion 20 can be formed by thebacking 30. For example as shown in FIGS. 6-8, the other longitudinaledge of the front portion 25 can extend past the other longitudinal edgeof the backing 30, forming a longitudinal receiving portion 38 along theback of the panel 2 as the intermediate portion 20. The other lateraledge of the front portion 25 can also extend past the other lateral edgeof the backing 30, forming a lateral receiving portion 40. In someembodiments, the distance that the receiving portions (38 or 40) extendpast the backing 30 can be approximately equal to the distance that thecorresponding lips (34 or 35) extend past the front portion 25. In otherembodiments, the distance that the receiving portions (38 or 40) extendpast the backing 30 can be less than the distance that the correspondinglips (34 or 35) extend past the front portion 25, e.g. the lip 34 can belonger than the intermediate portion/receiving portion (20/38) creatinga space 39 between the support portion 12 and the resting portion 16.Examples of such spaces 39 are shown in FIGS. 11 and 16B. As shown bythe L, U and U, L designations in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the desiredlongitudinal or lateral interpanel space 39 can be achieved with thelongitudinal or lateral lip 34, 35 extending down under the longitudinalor lateral receiving portion 38, 40 or the longitudinal or lateral lip34, 35 extending up into the longitudinal or lateral receiving portion38, 40, with the longitudinal or lateral lip 34, 35 being longer thanthe depth of the longitudinal or lateral receiving portion 38, 40 sothat the support portion 12 and the resting portion 16 are separatedwhen the lip 34, 35 is inserted fully into the receiving portion 38, 40.

A unique feature of this arrangement is that the lip 34, 35 is adjacentto the wall (W) rather than nested within a groove of an adjacentelongated panel 2. Another unique feature of the arrangement is thateach receiving portion 38, 40 is one-sided, with the wall (W) serving asthe second side for receiving the respective lip 34, 35. Thus, each lip34, 35 is adapted to fit within the corresponding receiving portion 38between the resting portion 16 and the wall (W). This facilitates a muchthinner elongated panel 2, which need not be attached using fasteners,such as nails or staples. Rather, the elongated panels 2 can be attachedvia adhesive.

As shown in FIG. 11, the intermediate portion/receiving portion (20/38)is adapted to overlap with (or abut against) the longitudinal lip 34 ofanother panel 2. In some embodiments, the lateral receiving portion 40is adapted to overlap with (or abut against) the lateral lip 35 ofanother panel 2. When the longitudinal or lateral receiving portion 38,40 overlaps with (i.e., has fully received) the respective lip 34, 35 ofanother panel 2, the support portion and the resting portion (e.g.,front surfaces) can (i) contact one another, (ii) have a cracktherebetween, or (iii) have a gap 39 therebetween. As used herein, a“crack” is intended to refer to a space of less than 0.5 mm, while a“gap” is intended to refer to a space of at least 1 mm, or at least 1.25mm, or at least 1.5 mm, or at least 1.75 mm, or at least 1.875 mm, or atleast 2 mm.

As shown in FIGS. 11, 16A, and 16B, an elongated panel 2 for producing awall-covering can include a generally rectangular front surface 4 and agenerally rectangular back surface 6, a first longitudinal edge, and asecond longitudinal edge opposite the first longitudinal edge, where alateral cross-section of the first longitudinal edge comprises agenerally horizontal support portion 12 and a receiving portion 38, anda lateral cross-section of the second longitudinal edge comprises agenerally horizontal resting portion 16 and a lip 34, wherein thereceiving portion 20, 38 is adapted to receiving a lip 34 of anotherelongated panel with a wall being covered serving as an opposing surfaceto the first surface 42 of the receiving portion 20, 38. This sameconfiguration is repeated with respect to the lateral edges and thecorresponding lateral lip 35 and lateral receiving portion 40. Thedesired gap is formed where the lip 34, 35 is longer than the depth ofthe corresponding receiving portion 38,40 by approximately the length ofthe desired gap. For example, the lip can be 4.5 mm and the receivingportion 2.7 mm in order to produce a gap of approximately 1.85 mm.

In some embodiments, the receiving portion 38, 40 is at least 1 mm deep,or at least 1.25 mm deep, or at least 1.5 mm deep, or at least 2 mmdeep, or at least 2.25 mm deep.

As shown in FIGS. 11, 16A, and 16B, in some embodiments, a depth 50 ofthe receiving portion is less than a length 48 of the lip 34. As shownin FIGS. 11, 16A, and 16B, in some embodiments, a depth 50 of thereceiving portion 38, 40 is less than a length 48 of the lip 34, 35 byat least 1 mm. In other words, the gap 39 formed between the frontsurfaces 4 of adjacent elongated panels 2 with the lip 3, 354 insertedfully into the receiving portion 38, 40 is at least 1 mm.

In some embodiments, the back surface 6 of the elongated panel 2includes an adhesive layer 46 adhered to the back surface 6.

In some embodiments, the receiving portion 20, 38 comprises a firstsurface 42 and a second surface 44. In some embodiments, the elongatedpanel 2 is adapted so that the first surface 42 is generally parallel toa wall (W) to which the elongated panel 2 is attached and the secondsurface 44 is generally perpendicular to the first surface 42. As usedherein, “generally” refers to a deviation of 10° or less, or 7.5° orless, or 5° or less, or 2.5° or less.

In some embodiments, a thickness (t_(b)) of the lip 34 is less than 4mm, or less than 4 mm, or less than 3 mm, or less than 2.5 mm, or lessthan 2 mm, or less than 1.5 mm. In some embodiments the height of thesecond surface is less than 1 mm larger than the thickness (t_(b)) ofthe lip 34, or less than 0.8 mm, or less than 0.6 mm, or less than 0.5mm.

As shown in FIGS. 8, 11, 16A and 16B, in some embodiments, the frontsurface 4 and the back surface 6 have different lengths. In this way,the front surface 4 and back surface 6 can be offset and form a lip 34that is longer than the depth of the receiving portion 38. Similarly,the front surface 4 and back surface 6 can independently be offset andform a lip 35 that is longer than the depth of the receiving portion 39.

As shown in FIGS. 8, 11, 16A, and 16B in some embodiments, the frontsurface 4 and the back surface 6 have approximately the same widths, sothat ends of the front surfaces of two elongated panels 2 placed end toend fit flush with the front surfaces abut or form a crack. For example,the front surface 4 and back surface 6 can be offset and form a lip 34that is the same length or shorter than the depth of the receivingportion 38. Similarly, the front surface 4 and back surface 6 can beoffset and form a lip 35 that is the same length or shorter than thedepth of the receiving portion 40.

Any discussion or depiction of the longitudinal lip 34 and longitudinalreceiving portion 38 applies equally to the lateral lip 35 and lateralreceiving portion 40.

In some embodiments, the backing 30 can be a different material than thefront portion (25) of the panel 2. For example, the front portion 25 canbe reclaimed wood or real wood with various aesthetic finishes orcomposite wood with various aesthetic finishes, while the backing 30 canbe plywood or other alternatives. In other embodiments, the materialscan be the same.

In some embodiments, the color of the front portion 25 and the backing30 can be substantially the same color. In other embodiments, the colorof the backing 30 can be darker than the front portion 25. Wheninstalled, the lip (34 and/or 35) of the backing 30 can provide coveringfor portions of a wall between adjacent panels 2.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1 & 5, a lateral distance (d_(b))across the back surface is longer than a lateral distance (d_(f)) acrossthe front surface. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 9, a lateraldistance (d_(b)) across the back surface is approximately equal to alateral distance (d_(f)) across the front surface.

In some embodiments, a thickness (t) of the panel 2 ranges from 2 mm to25 mm. In some embodiments, a thickness (t) of the panel 2 ranges from2.5 mm to 20 mm, or from 3 mm to 15 mm, or from 3.5 mm to 10 mm, or from4 mm to 8 mm, or from 5 mm to 7 mm, or any combination of theseend-points. In other embodiments, a thickness (t) of the elongated panel2 ranges from 0.25 to 5 mm, or 0.5 to 5 mm, or 5 mm or less, or 4 mm orless, or 3 mm or less, or any combination of these endpoints.

In some embodiments, a length (l) of the elongated panel 2 ranges from2′ to 20′. In some embodiments, a length (l) of the panel 2 an be anyvalue ranging from 0.5′ and 20′, including 11″, 1′, 23″, 2′, 4′, 8′,12′, and 16′.

In some embodiments, as evident from FIGS. 3, 9-11, and 14, if the firstlongitudinal edge 8 were abutting the second longitudinal edge 10, thesecond beveled portion 18 and the first beveled portion 14 produce aflute 24 (e.g., a V-shaped flute) along a front surface 4 of the panels2.

In another embodiment, a kit 100 for producing a wall-covering isprovided. The kit 100 can include a plurality of elongated panels 2 asdisclosed herein. In some embodiments, the kit 100 also includesadhesive 26 (e.g., contact adhesive, construction adhesive, etc.), whichmay be provided in a caulking tube 26, and/or instructions 28 forinstalling the plurality of panels to achieve a desired appearance(e.g., shiplap effect or a rustic paneling effect).

In some embodiments, the kit 100 includes a plurality of elongatedpanels 2, each comprising generally rectangular front surface 4 and backsurfaces 6, a first longitudinal edge 8, and a second longitudinal edge10 opposite the first longitudinal edge 8. The lateral cross-section ofthe first and second longitudinal edges 8, 10 can be as describedherein. As shown in FIGS. 3, 9-11, and 14, a lower longitudinal edge (8or 10) of the upper panel (U) is adapted to abut with an upperlongitudinal edge (10 or 8) of the lower panel (L) such that the lowerlongitudinal edge (8 or 10) of the upper panel (U) and the upperlongitudinal edge (10 or 8) of the lower panel (L) produce a flute 24along a front surface 4 of the upper and lower panel (U and L). As shownin FIG. 11, in some embodiments, the lower longitudinal edge 10 of theupper panel (U) is adapted to overlap with the lip 34 of the lower panel(L) and/or adapted to abut with a support portion 12 of the lower panel(L).

A method of installing elongated panels to produce a wall covering isalso disclosed. Providing a plurality of elongated panels 2 as describedherein. Adhering a first elongated panel 2 to a wall (W), then adheringa second elongated panel 2 to the wall (W) parallel to and immediatelyadjacent to the first panel 2, such that a first longitudinal edge 8 ofone of the first and second elongated panels 2 abuts a secondlongitudinal edge 10 of the other of the first and second elongatedpanels 2. This process is then repeated with a third panel 2 so that thecomplementary longitudinal edges 8 and 10 abut one another across theentire wall.

In some embodiments, the method includes attaching each panel 2 to thewall (W) along the panel's back surface 6 without adhesive or otherattachment applied between the longitudinal edges (8 or 10) or theresting support portions (12 or 16) of adjacent panels 2. As such, thesystem and method do not require that each panel is completely flushagainst the adjacent panel or that the edges of adjacent panels beentirely straight or otherwise have tightly matching configurations. Inembodiments with panels 2 including a backing 30, references hereindescribing attaching the back 6 of an elongated panel 2 to a wall (W)include attaching the back surface 36 of the backing 30 to the wall (W).

It should be understood that, while the discussion refers to upper andlower elongated panels 2, the elongated panels 2 could be orientedvertically in order to create an effect where the flutes 24 runvertically.

The configurations of the complementary first and second longitudinaledges disclosed herein are selected provide a number of benefits. Forexample, the overlapping portions of FIGS. 4-14 prevent people fromseeing through the space between panels to the underlying wall. Inaddition, the presence of the support and resting portions 12, 16prevent a panel resting on another panel from sliding off the wall orbehind the other panel while the adhesive is drying. Finally, theoverlapping nature of the 20 intermediate portion and the first beveledportion 14 and/or the lip 34, helps prevent a panel from pivoting offthe wall while the adhesive is drying. For example, in FIG. 9, theintermediate portion 20 of the upper panel (U) holds the upper edge ofthe lower panel (L) against the wall (W).

Although the subject matter has been described in terms of exemplaryembodiments, it is not limited thereto. Rather, the appended claimsshould be construed broadly, to include other variants and embodiments,which may be made by those skilled in the art.

What is claimed is:
 1. An elongated panel for producing a wall-covering,comprising: an elongated panel comprising generally rectangular frontsurface and back surfaces, a first longitudinal edge, and a secondlongitudinal edge opposite the first longitudinal edge, wherein alateral cross-section of the first longitudinal edge comprises agenerally horizontal support portion and a receiving portion, wherein alateral cross-section of the second longitudinal edge comprises agenerally horizontal resting portion and a lip, wherein the receivingportion is adapted to receive a lip of another elongated panel with awall being covered serving as an opposing surface to a first surface ofthe receiving portion.
 2. The elongated panel of claim 1, wherein theelongated panel is adapted so that, when the lip of one elongated panelis fully inserted into the receiving portion of an identical elongatedpanel, a gap is formed between the front surfaces of the two elongatedpanels.
 3. The elongated panel of claim 1, wherein the elongated panelis adapted so that, when the lip of one elongated panel is fullyinserted into the receiving portion of an identical elongated panel, thefront surfaces of the two elongated panels contact one another or formonly a crack.
 4. The elongated panel of claim 1, wherein a depth of thereceiving portion is less than a length of the lip by at least 1 mm. 5.The elongated panel of claim 1, wherein a thickness of the elongatedpanel is from 2 to 10 mm.
 6. The elongate panel of claim 1, wherein aback surface of the elongated panel includes an adhesive.
 7. Theelongated panel of claim 1, wherein the receiving portion comprises thefirst surface and a second surface, wherein the elongated panel isadapted so that the first surface is generally parallel to a wall towhich the elongated panel is attached and the second surface isgenerally perpendicular to the first surface.
 8. The elongated panel ofclaim 1, wherein a longitudinal cross-section of a first lateral edgecomprises a lateral receiving portion, wherein a longitudinalcross-section of a second longitudinal edge, opposite the firstlongitudinal edge, comprises a lateral lip, wherein the lateralreceiving portion is adapted to receive a lateral lip of anotherelongated panel with a wall being covered serving as an opposing surfaceto a first surface of the lateral receiving portion.
 9. The elongatedpanel of claim 8, wherein the elongated panel is adapted so that, whenthe lateral lip of one elongated panel is fully inserted into thelateral receiving portion of an identical elongated panel, a gap isformed between the front surfaces of the two elongated panels.
 10. Theelongated panel of claim 8, wherein the elongated panel is adapted sothat, when the lateral lip of one elongated panel is fully inserted intothe lateral receiving portion of an identical elongated panel, the frontsurfaces of the two elongated panels contact one another or form only acrack.
 11. A kit for producing a wall-covering, comprising a pluralityof elongated panels according to claim
 1. 12. The kit of claim 11,wherein a back surface of the elongated panel includes an adhesive. 13.The kit of claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of elongated panelsis adapted so that, when the lip of one elongated panel is fullyinserted into the receiving portion of an identical elongated panel, agap is formed between the front surfaces of the two elongated panels.14. The kit of claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of elongatedpanels is adapted so that, when the lip of one elongated panel is fullyinserted into the receiving portion of an identical elongated panel, thefront surfaces of the two elongated panels contact one another or formonly a crack.
 15. The kit of claim 11, wherein a depth of the receivingportion is less than a length of the lip by at least 1 mm.
 15. The kitof claim 11, wherein, when a lip of a first elongated panel is fullyinserted into the receiving portion of a second elongate panel, a gap ofat least 1 mm is formed between front faces of the first and secondelongated panels.
 16. The kit of claim 11, wherein a thickness of eachof the plurality of elongated panel is from 2 to 10 mm.
 17. The kit ofclaim 11, wherein the receiving portion comprises a first surface and asecond surface, wherein the elongated panel is adapted so that the firstsurface is generally parallel to a wall to which the elongated panel isattached and the second surface is generally perpendicular to the firstsurface.
 18. A method of installing a wall covering comprising:providing a plurality of elongated panels according to claim 1;attaching a back of a first elongated panel to a wall; and attaching aback of a second elongated panel to the wall above or below the firstelongated panel, wherein a tab of the second panel is received within areceiving portion of the first panel with a wall being covered servingas an opposing surface to a first surface of the receiving portion. 19.The method of claim 18, wherein the attachment of the elongated panelsto the wall is by adhesive.
 20. The method of claim 18, wherein a depthof the receiving portion is less than a length of the lip.